Sunday, 8 January 2012

'I wonder if he is a player, a coach, an agent or an oil dealer. I do not understand' - Diego Maradona

The outspoken Argentine, who is now coaching in the United Arab Emirates, has suggested that the Brazilian has been lured to the French capital club by the owners' petrodollars

Diego Maradona has revealed that he is baffled by some of the career choices made byLeonardo and intimated that the Brazilian is motivated by money.

After coaching spells with both AC Milan and Inter, Leonardo is now serving as sporting director of Paris Saint-Germain, who are one of the richest clubs in the world, having been taken over by the Qatari Investment Authority last May.

And Maradona, who is currently coaching in the United Arab Emirates with Al Wasl, suggested that Leonardo has been lured to the French capital by the promise of petrodollars.

"I don't understand Leonardo,” the World Cup winner mused during an interview with Canal Football Club.

“I did not understand him when he moved to Inter Milan from AC Milan, and I understand even less what he’s doing today with PSG.

“I wonder if he is a player, a coach, an agent or an oil dealer. I do not understand.

“This is proof that in football today it pays off if you know how to lobby.”

After hanging up his boots, Leonardo returned to former club Milan as technical director in 2008 before then assuming the role of head coach following Carlo Ancelotti’s departure for Chelsea the following year.

The former midfield ace then parted company with the Rossoneri at the end of the season only to return to San Siro a few months later, this time as coach of Milan’s bitter rivals Inter.

Leonardo managed to reinvigorate the Nerazzurri after a dismal start to the season under Rafael Benitez but he quit at the end of the campaign to link up with PSG.